Applying for jobs in 2021

It’s probably safe to say that many of us are eager to put 2020 behind us and move on.

If you’re one of the many people looking for a new role after the year that was, here’s what you need to know about finding a job in 2021.

Remote work is here to stay – this could open doors for people in different states to work in roles they previously wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do so.

As a result of this, there will be more competition overall. Applicants per role are increasing and businesses are likely to invest in Applicant Tracking Software and technology to scan resumes and cover letters to shortlist key candidates.

As recruitment agencies and businesses use automated screening software to scan resumes for relevant keywords and experience, can you beat the bots?

The use of AI for screening means your resume might not even be seen by a human unless you have the right keywords and experience they're looking for. This is why it is so important to tailor your resume to each role you apply for.

If you want to get past the bots, here's what you can do...

• Use keywords relevant to the role you are applying for
• Always spell and grammar check your resume
• Use commonly used words and don't use acronyms
• Don't use images or graphics - these won't get seen by the robots

I cannot stress enough how important it is to tailor your application to the role you are applying for.

Keywords are an important part of your job search, whether in your resume, LinkedIn or Seek.

Keywords are specific skills, expertise and traits recruiters and hiring managers look for in a candidate. They are also what AI and recruiters use to find your profiles on LinkedIn or Seek.

Keywords are job-related nouns to describe your skills, experience and qualifications.

To get the most out of keywords, you must always thoroughly read every job advert and/or job description before you apply for a role, this will help you tailor your resume to the role.

If you’re not sure what keywords are relevant, take a look at a few job adverts for similar roles and write down the frequently used words. Then pick the keywords that are relevant to your experience.

The saying if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail rings true here. You can’t expect to get the role of your dreams using a generic resume and applying for every job out there.

It’s important to do your research, figure out what types of roles you want, what business you truly want to work for and tailor your resume for these.

Get in touch with The Resume Assistant for more job-seeker insights, career advice and tips on how to get in front of hiring managers.